Fibromyalgia (FM) Relief

There are growing numbers of people being diagnosed with FM. This is partly due to the recent approval of 2 drugs for use with this indication. Because of this approval, insurance drug plans will pay for these drugs to be used with people who have the label and will not pay if they do not have the label.

These drugs are helpful for the relief of some of the symptoms, for some of the people, some of the time. What is missing in the study of FM is an understanding of the causes. The label as it is presently used does not give any insight into the origin of the problem and therefore any treatment currently used only treats a few of the symptoms. For some, this relief has a major impact and improves their quality of life and is therefore beneficial. But having a label and a drug should not distract us from looking for the causes of this growing problem.

In my clinical experience, there is usually a high level of inflammation in people with FM and altered immunity. They also have evidence of reduced ATP production by the mitochondria (the mitochondria are the energy producing machines inside our cells and muscle cells have a particular abundance of them). There is currently no test available for mitochondrial function and ATP production, outside of research studies.

People with FM improve with increased levels of omega 3 oils and low glycemic, anti-inflammatory diets which include fresh, unprocessed, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Vitamin B 12 can be beneficial. Often people with FM have Vitamin D and magnesium deficiencies. It is important to see a doctor to check Vitamin D levels. Regular exercise improves strength and stamina and also changes body chemistry in a beneficial way. Anti oxidants such as found in grape seed extracts can improve the function of the mitochondria.

Mind-body techniques are also very beneficial; we are composed of a body-wide signaling system that uses the same chemical messengers and instantaneously connects the entire body including the immune system, the brain and nervous system, the heart, the digestive tract, the muscles, and all our organs.

Yours in Pain-Free Health,
Heather Tick MD